Bighorn River Fishing Report Page
Scroll down for the Full Big Horn River Fishing Report in Thermopolis WY
4/13/26
Bighorn River Fishing Report
Bighorn River Fishing Report: April 13th, 2026
“The Wrangler’s Bi-Weekly Rundown”
Picture Of The Week: First Fish on a Fly!
I had the privilege of guiding this fine young man on Sunday he was not experienced fly fishing so we started the morning in the park with a 30 minute casting lesson. This was his first fish on a fly and it was a dandy! We had a great day on the river and he put plenty of nice fish in the basket!
1. River Vital Signs - Nice bump in the flows!
The Flows are up and so are the fish!
Current Flow: 860 CFS
Water Clarity: Slightly discolored. Visibility down to 6+ feet.
Average Water Temp: 38°F
Weather Outlook: Unseasonably Warm Wyoming Spring. The water is cold, the weather is warm, and the fish are on the move!
2. The "Wrangler" State of the Union
The Bighorn is in an early spring pattern. Lots of bugs hatching most of the day. Fishing has been spectacular with plenty of 12-20” super healthy rainbows that fight like they were on steroids! The 20”+ bows and browns are there if you bring your A game. We have been enjoying pretty nice BWO hatches and I am especially loving the great caddis hatches!
3. Hot Fly Patterns
Nymphs: Olive Perdigons size 16-18, BWO Emergers size 18-22, Juju Baetis size 20-22, Rainbow Warrior size 20
Streamers: We have been having good success with a Thin Mint behind a Gold Sparkle Minnow on a sinking line has drawn. The big boys are hungry!
Dries: Dust off the dry fly rod! BWO dries in a size 20 with an emerger dropper should do the trick. We focus on the emergers until we see caddis popping off and splashy rises. If you do don’t hesitate go head hunting for those bigger fish targeting the caddis!
Visit the fly shops in town if you need help with fly patterns; they can hook you up. Better yet, set up a trip with Wyoming Trout Wrangler; we provide the hand tied flies you’ll need for success!
4. Tactics & Pro-Tips
Switch it up! Cool mornings I set the rigs deeper as it warms up, the fish are looking up and many move to the shallow riffles.
Adjust Adjust Adjust: Move that indicator for water speed, depth, and type of flies. Don’t set it and forget it. Right now I am keeping four rods with different set ups rigged and ready on the boat.
Manage the Moss: Keep them flies clean.
Set the hook! The bite can be soft and “hook sets are free”. Remember - set the hook on any unnatural movement of the indicator.
5. Guide’s Water Choice:
Fish it all, but consider focusing on the buckets off the riffles and 3-4’ deep longer riffle runs. In the afternoon keep an eye on shallow runs, pockets you should find some big feeding fish. They spook easy so don’t slap a big indicator on the run finesse is key!
6. Special Offers:
I will be moving over to the western rivers earlier than planned. May-August I will be guiding trips on Wyomings Wester Rivers including: The New Fork, the Upper Green, The Snake and The Salt! These extraordinary trips will be available on the site by the end of next week. If you want to throw big foam dries for big fish come and join me! I’ll be chasing the best water and best hatches for big browns, rainbows and cutthroat! Of course we will still have trips available on the Bighorn for the entire season.
3/28/26
Bighorn River Fishing Report
Bighorn River Fishing Report: March 28th, 2026
“The Wrangler’s Bi-Weekly Rundown”
Picture Of The Week: Got to fish with this fine young man this week. We will be seeing more of him over the summer….
1. River Vital Signs - Mind the Redds!
The Flows are low and clear. The Rainbows are still holding the Redds! What are Redds? Glad you asked…. They are shallow gravel areas the fish use to create spawning beds to reproduce. While it is not illegal to fish these fish, if you value the natural resource and want to keep the fish population healthy, let them do their business. What should you do? Do not walk on the Redds. Do not fish to those amorous fish on the Redds. Use caution to keep your boat off of the Redds.
Current Flow: 541 CFS
Water Clarity: Excellent. Clear visibility down to 6+ feet.
Average Water Temp: 38°F
Weather Outlook: Unseasonably Warm Wyoming Spring with Cold Snaps on the way. The water is cold, the weather is warm, and the fish are on the move!
2. The "Wrangler" State of the Union
The Bighorn is moving into a spring pattern. Lots of bugs hatching as the days warm. Fishing has been spectacular with plenty of 12-20” super healthy rainbows that fight like they were on steroids! The 20”+ bows and browns are there if you bring your A game.
3. Hot Fly Patterns
Nymphs: Olive Perdigons 16-18, BWO Emergers 18-20, Rainbow Warriors 18-20.
Streamers: WTW was not in the streamer game the last two weeks nymphing has been the path.
Dries: Dust off the dry fly rod! BWO dries in a size 20 with an emerger dropper should do the trick.
Visit the fly shops in town if you need help with fly patterns; they can hook you up. Better yet, set up a trip with Wyoming Trout Wrangler; we provide the hand tied flies you’ll need for success!
4. Tactics & Pro-Tips
Switch it up! Cool mornings - think low and slow. As it warms up, the fish are looking up.
Adjust Adjust Adjust: Move that indicator for water speed, depth and type of flies, water temps etc. Don’t set it and forget it. My friend Larry told me one day that “A good fly angler is making constant adjustments.”
Manage the Moss: Keep them flies clean.
Set the hook! The bite can be soft and “hook sets are free”. Remember - set the hook on any unnatural movement of the indicator.
5. Guide’s Water Choice:
Fish it all, but consider focusing on the buckets off the riffles and 3-4’ deep longer riffle runs.
6. Special Offers:
The spring calendar is filling up! This is my favorite time of year on the Bighorn. We have extended our 20% off spring special until June. Book your adventure today; use SPRING20 at check out to get your massive discount. That means that a full day guided trip for two, including lunch and shuttle, is only $440.00! Smash that Book Now button and lets Wrangler some Trout!
3/12/26
Bighorn River Fishing Report
Bighorn River Fishing Report: March 12th 2026
“The Wranglers’ Bi-Weekly Rundown”
Picture Of The Week: Big Bows are Fired Up!
1. River Vital Signs - Mind the Redds!
The Flows are low and clear. The Rainbows are moving on to the Redds! What are Redds? Glad you asked…. They are shallow gravel areas the fish use to create spawning beds to reproduce. While it is not illegal to to fish to these fish if you value the natural resource and want to keep the fish population healthy let them do their business. What should you do? Don’t walk on the Redds. Do not fish to those amorous fish on the Redds. Use caution to keep your boat off of the Redds.
Current Flow:498 CFS
Water Clarity:Excellent. Clear visibility down to 6+ feet.
Average Water Temp:38°F
Weather Outlook: Unseasonably Warm Wyoming Winter— There are several quick moving storms on the way. The winds will be at times. We have highs up into the 70s but averaging in 60s for the next two weeks. The water is cold the weather is warm and the fish are on the move!
2. The "Wrangler" State of the Union
The Bighorn is moving into a spring pattern. Lots of midges hatching and the fish are moving out of the deeper pools into the riffles as it warms up during the day. Fishing has been spectacular, lots of good size catches and plenty of 12-18” super healthy rainbows that fight like they were on steroids! Put several beautifully colored up 18-19” browns in the boat last week.
3. Hot Fly Patterns
The winter menu is small but specific. Don't be afraid to go tiny.
Nymphs: Rainbow Tailwater Sow Bug is still crushing it! Midge emergers are drawing attention. Rainbow Warrior and Blood red midge worms.
Streamers: WTW was not in the streamer game the last two weeks nymphing has been the path.
Dries: The midge hatches are producing steady risers in key areas. We are starting to see a few BWO’s but the dry fly rod is still on standby.
4. Tactics & Pro-Tips
Switch it up! It’s all fishing good depending on what time of day and temps.
Adjust Adjust Adjust: Move that indicator for water speed, depth and type of flies, water temps etc ect. Don’t set it and forget it. My friend Larry T told me one day. “A good fly angler is making constant adjustments.”
Manage the Moss: Keep them flies clean.
Set the hook! The bite is soft. Setting the hook on any unnatural movement on the indicator. If it’s moss prove it! Try these two tips: 1. If the indication is 30+ feet away, do a quick short set if it’s not a fish stop your hook set and quickly mend upstream and continue your drift. 2. When you set and it’s not a fish but you can feel that is was hung on moss instead of finishing the set upward keep the rod lower so your pulling the flies quickly thru the water this usually cleans the moss off and allows a clean cast on your forward cast. Keeping the flies in the game longer.
5. Guide’s Water Choice:
Water to Target: The fish are moving so it depends what time of day and temp. Best bet if you weren’t there yesterday… fish the end of the riffles into buckets.
6. Special Offers:
The spring calendar is filling up! This is my favorite time on the Bighorn. We have extended our 20% off spring special until June. Book your adventure today use SPRING20 at check out to get your massive discount. That means a full day guided trip for two including lunch and shuttle is only 440.00! Smash that Book Now button and lets wrangler some trout!
2/27/26
Bighorn River Fishing Report
Bighorn River Fishing Report: Feb. 27th 2026
“The Wranglers’ Bi-Weekly Rundown”
Picture Of The Week: This Big Boy Took the Midge Emerger
1. River Vital Signs
Conditions are “boney” but stable, offering some of the best winter technical fishing in the state.
Current Flow: 598 CFS
Water Clarity: Excellent. Clear visibility down to 6+ feet.
Average Water Temp: 38°F
Weather Outlook: Unseasonably Warm Wyoming Winter—highs up into the 60s but averaging in 50s for the next two weeks. The water is cold the weather is unseasonably warm and the fish are on the move!
2. The "Wrangler" State of the Union
The Bighorn is moving into an early spring pattern. Lots of midges hatching and the fish are moving out of the deeper pools into the riffles as it warms up during the day. Fishing has been spectacular, lots of good size catches and plenty of 12-16” super healthy rainbows that fight like they were on steroids!
3. Hot Fly Patterns
The winter menu is small but specific. Don't be afraid to go tiny.
Nymphs: Rainbow Tailwater Sow Bug. Midge emergers are drawing attention. General attractors like a Rainbow Warrior and Blood red midge worms.
Streamers: Light weight wooly buggers or sparkle minnows.
Dries: The midge hatches are producing steady risers in key areas. A Griffith's Gnat with your favorite midge emerger as a dropper will give you the best chance to target these picky eaters!
4. Tactics & Pro-Tips
Switch it up! The fish are on the move, target slow and deep when its cooler and target the riffles and buckets right below as it warms up.
Streamers: Run a longer leader like 36” and trail a smaller streamer off the bend 8-10” behind the lead. A dead drift with a Wolly Bugger under an indicator will pick you up a few fish.
Manage the Moss: Keep them flies clean.
Set the hook! The bite is so soft in most cases if the indicator does anything unnatural set that hook.
5. Guide’s Water Choice:
Water to Target: Fish low and slow early in the day and target the seams on the slower water. Once it warms up a little work the riffles and buckets.
6. Special Offers:
New to fly fishing or need to work on your double haul?
Book a trip and get a free 1hr casting lesson before we hit the water!
Bighorn River Fishing Report 1-30-26
Bighorn River Fishing Report: Jan 30 – Feb 7th, 2026
“The Wranglers’ Bi-Weekly Rundown”
Picture Of The Week:
We are landing some big beautiful colored up rainbows! Check our special at the bottom of the report to claim your 20% discount and book your adventure!
1. River Vital Signs
Conditions are “boney” but stable, offering some of the best winter technical fishing in the state.
Current Flow: 610-680 CFS (USGS gauge is down today but we have steady tailwater flows from Boysen Reservoir)
Water Clarity: Excellent. Clear visibility down to 6+ feet.
Average Water Temp: 38°F
Weather Outlook: Unseasonably Warm Wyoming Winter—highs will get well into the upper-40s for the next two weeks. The water is cold the weather is unseasonably warm and the fish are on the move!
2. The "Wrangler" State of the Union
The Bighorn is in a warm winter rhythm. With the post-spawn phase over, the Rainbows and Browns are on the move with the warmer weather for the next two weeks the fishing will be tremendous! The primary name of the game right now is efficiency and depth. With the warmer weather we are finding large fish holding in buckets just off the riffles or even in the riffles.
3. Hot Fly Patterns
The winter menu is small but specific. Don't be afraid to go tiny.
Nymphs: Rainbow Tailwater Sow Bug with a pink tungsten bead. Keep it small. Midges and midge emergers are drawing a little attention. General attractors like a Rainbow Warrior and Blood red midge worms.
Streamers: Olive Baby Gonga. Olive, brown and black have all been producing.
Dries: Occasional midge hatches are creating a few risers but nothing we have tied a dry fly on for! If you game bring your smallest dry midge!
4. Tactics & Pro-Tips
The Get it deep in the runs and pools! If you aren't ticking the bottom, you aren't low enough. The grass is about gone so it is easier to dredge the bottom. With the warmer weather don’t be afraid to fish the riffles and smaller pockets.
Streamers: Pro Tip. Run a longer leader like 36” and trail a smaller streamer off the bend 8-10” behind the lead. Do a dead drift with small slow strips.
Manage the Moss: While winter moss is minimal compared to July, some grass still exists. Keep them flies clean! If you dont know the “San Juan” slap learn it!
Pod Fishing: Winter fish school is in session. If you catch one, stay put—there are likely fifty more in that same 10-foot stretch of water.
5. Guide’s Water Choice:
Water to Target: In the morning nymph the edges of the slow deep runs. Take your time and be thorough take it apart real slow and make sure your are deep enough. Don’t be afraid to work the flat water! In the afternoon after it warms up target the buckets off the shelves and riffles some big browns and rainbows move into feeding lanes. Find one and you will have a good ride!
6. Special Offers
February Special 20% discount! Claim your discount and come and wrangle some nice trout!
20% off 550.00 for a full day with two anglers brings the total to only $440.00 or $220.00 per angler!
The fishing will be great the next couple weeks! Don’t miss this brief window to enjoy a beautiful action packed day wrangling big rainbows and browns on the Bighorn here in Thermopolis!
BOOK TODAY and use the discount code SPRING20 at check out to claim your 20% off discount!
Bighorn River Fishing Report
Weekly Fishing Report for the Bighorn River in Thermopolis Wyoming
Bighorn River Fishing Report: Jan 13 – Jan 20, 2026
“The Wranglers’ Weekly Rundown”
Catch Of The Week:
Nice N Nasty Brown on a Streamer!
1. River Vital Signs
Conditions are “boney” but stable, offering some of the best winter technical fishing in the state.
Current Flow: 615 CFS (Steady tailwater flows from Boysen Reservoir)
Water Clarity: Excellent. Clear visibility down to 6+ feet.
Average Water Temp: 38°F
Weather Outlook: Unseasonably Warm Wyoming Winter—highs in the mid-40s. Winds can be an issue so check daily.
2. The "Wrangler" State of the Union
The Bighorn is in a warm winter rhythm. With the post-spawn phase over, the Rainbows and Browns have mostly settled into their deep, slow "winter buckets." The primary name of the game right now is efficiency and depth. With the warmer weather we are finding large fish holding in buckets just off the riffles or even in the riffles.
3. Hot Fly Patterns
The winter menu is small but specific. Don't be afraid to go tiny.
Nymphs: Rainbow Tailwater Sow Bug with a pink tungsten bead. Keep it small. Midges and midge emergers are drawing a little attention. General attractors like a Higga’s SOS. Blood red midge worms.
Streamers: Olive Baby Gonga. Olive, brown and black have all been producing.
Dries: Occasional midge hatches are creating a few risers but nothing we have tied a dry fly on for! If you game bring your smallest dry midge!
4. Tactics & Pro-Tips
The "Slow & Low" Rule: If you aren't ticking the bottom, you aren't low enough. The grass is about gone so it is easier to dredge the bottom.
Streamers: Pro Tip. Run a longer leader like 36” and trail a smaller streamer off the bend 8-10” behind the lead. Do a dead drift with small slow strips.
Manage the Moss: While winter moss is minimal compared to July, some grass still exists. Keep them flies clean! If you dont know the “San Juan” slap learn it!
Pod Fishing: Winter fish school is in session. If you catch one, stay put—there are likely fifty more in that same 10-foot stretch of water.
5. Guide’s Water Choice:
Water to Target: In the morning nymph the edges of the slow deep runs. Take your time and be thorough take it apart real slow and make sure your are deep enough. In the afternoon after it warms up target the buckets off the shelves and riffles some big browns and rainbows move into feeding lanes. Find one and your have a good ride!
6. Special Offers
Winter Special: 6 hr. 1/2 Day "Winter Warm-up" Guided Trips are available through February. Only $350 for two anglers—includes hot lunch and all the midges you can lose! Limited offer call to schedule. 307-855-5259